F-16s arrive at Bagram Airfield

Photo By Capt. Brigitte Brantley | F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 79th Fighter Squadron at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., arrive at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Oct. 25, 2019. While assigned to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing at Bagram, the F-16s will help provide decisive airpower through the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The airpower the wing provides ensures NATO forces can focus on their mission to train, advise and assist.(U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Brigitte N. Brantley)  

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

10.24.2019

Story by 1st Lt. Brigitte Brantley 

455th Air Expeditionary Wing   

U.S. Airmen and equipment assigned to the 79th Fighter Squadron, 20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and other supporting units out of Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., arrived at Bagram Airfield Oct. 25.

Here as part of a scheduled rotation to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, the F-16 Fighting Falcons will directly support the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing’s extensive mission.

The 79th FS replaces the 176th Fighter Squadron, a part of the Wisconsin Air National Guard.

“This turnover of F-16s allows us to continue delivering decisive airpower throughout the region,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. R. Scott Jobe, commander of the 455th AEW. “The support we provide allows NATO forces to focus on their training, advising and assisting missions, among everything else our assets bring to the fight. It’s good to see the torch pass from one great fighter squadron to another.”

The 455th AEW is one of two Air Force wings located within Afghanistan and supports both Operation Freedom’s Sentinel and NATO’s Resolute Support mission. The airpower the wing provides ensures NATO forces can focus on their missions, while simultaneously targeting terrorist groups that wish harm upon the Afghan and American people.

• Date Taken: 10.24.2019
• Date Posted: 10.24.2019 20:01
• Story ID: 349151
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF